PUTTING PEACE FIRST: A CULTURE OF PEACE
NATIONAL MINISTRIES
FOR PEACE
The Ministry proposal is based on a principle of organizational change: can an old institution create and implement new policies? Such institutions are often too locked into the past to adopt new worldviews. They have too much invested in justifying their previous policies. Therefore, a new quest for peace requires a new institution.
THE PEACE
PERSPECTIVE
The peace perspective will not suddenly emerge within government; it has to be worked at. Creating such Ministries is a very practical way of working for peace. Not enough detailed attention has been given by academics and peace activists as to how the peace perspective can be institutionalized within government.
THE CONCEPT OF A
MINISTRY FOR PEACE
A Ministry for Peace would have six components.
Non-Violent Resolution of Conflict
First, a Ministry for Peace would emphasize the importance of the non-violent resolution of conflict in international politics.
The Peace Perspective
Second, such a Ministry would institutionalize the peace perspective in the government.
Executive Responsibilities
Third, a Ministry should have executive responsibilities. It should be more than some form of think tank attached to, say, the office of the head of government.
Programme of Work
Fourth, some of the new Ministry’s work could come from existing tasks being carried out by other ministries, such as the disarmament work.
Permanency
Fifth, the new Ministry should become a permanent ministry and not just a temporary political gimmick to win votes.
Capacity for Expansion
Finally, the new programme of work and staffing of the new Ministry could expand as the needs arise.